BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Sagupari led Government of Change and Rural Transformation (GCRT) reaffirms its commitment to drive meaningful change in the province through its 2026/2027 budget theme: “Empowering Transformations, Resourcing Our Future.”

The theme will also be adopted for the Central Islands province Second Appointed Day on June 29 this year, reflecting the government’s ongoing policy direction and development priorities.

Speaking during the recent provincial full assembly meeting in Tulagi, premier Sagupari emphasized that the theme underscores the government’s commitment to drive positive change by making effective use of provincial resources.

“Our focus will be on empowering communities, leveraging resources, and building a sustainable future for Central province,” he said.

The premier added that the approach aims to improve service delivery, expand economic opportunities, and enhance the overall well-being of residents particularly youths, women, and children.

“Our goal is to build a prosperous and self-sufficient Central province. Through these strategies, GCRT is positioning itself as a driver of transformation, with a strong focus on resourcefulness and future-oriented planning,” he said.

The premier further noted that the government is taking necessary steps in this year’s budget to address gaps and challenges that have hindered the province’s progress, with these measures reflected throughout the draft budget.

Key priorities include investment in economic infrastructure, education and health services, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment initiatives, improved service delivery in rural areas, and the implementation of community-driven projects.

He also highlighted that programs are being aligned across all thirteen wards in the province to ensure that the “change” being promised is both tangible and impactful for the people.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

Construction of the new terminal building at Santa Cruz Airfield in Temotu Province is progressing steadily, marking another key milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure in the eastern region of the country.

The project is part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company.

SIRAP2 in a statement yesterday also mentioned that completion of the project is expected in June this year.

SIRAP2 said recent construction site reports highlight successful installation of the rebar mesh for the slab-on-grade of the New Terminal Administration Building and the hoisting of the Airfield Ground Lighting container control room.

Also noted is that inspections have verified the steel columns supporting the Departure Extension Shed canopy, confirming compliance with structural standards.

Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea, said while upgrade of the airfield has already been completed, the terminal building will further improve the experience of passengers and operational efficiency at Santa Cruz.

“This project reflects the Government’s commitment, with support from our partners, to improve connectivity and provide safer and more reliable aviation infrastructure for the people of Temotu Province,” he said.

The upgraded terminal facility once completed will provide enhanced services, greater comfort for travelers, and also support the long-term growth of air transport services in Temotu province.

Apart from the Santa Cruz Airfield terminal upgrade, SIRAP2 is also working on the delivery of critical transport infrastructure across the country.

These transport infrastructure projects include; construction of Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, routine maintenance of regional airports, the rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of the East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and the sealing of 12 kilometres of the North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.

Photo credit: SIRAP2

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) has announced a series of public hearings ahead of the proposed upgrade of Suavanao Airfield in Isabel province.

On an online post this Wednesday, the ministry said the hearings are part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2), funded by the World Bank.

According to MCA, the consultations will be conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in several communities, including Kolopakisa, Suavanao, Baolo and Papatura Resort.

The purpose of the hearings is to present the Public Environment Report and gather feedback from affected communities.

The planned upgrade works include sealing the runway, improving drainage systems and installing ground lighting.

These improvements aim to enhance safety and strengthen climate resilience at the airfield.

The project is currently in the technical evaluation stage, with confirmation of the successful contractor expected soon.

MCA Permanent Secretary, Mr Alwyn Danitofea, emphasised the importance of community participation and encouraged residents to share their views.

“The Suavanao airfield upgrade is a critical investment in improving connectivity and service delivery for our people in Isabel province.

“We encourage all community members to attend the scheduled hearings and share their views, as their input is essential to ensuring the project is implemented in a way that is environmentally responsible and responsive to local needs,” Danitofea said.

Members of the public are also invited to submit written feedback to the Director of the Environment and Conservation Division within 14 days after the hearings.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Finance and Treasury of the Central Islands provincial government, MPA Dangal Meleha, has outlined the budget strategy and policy direction for the Central Islands province’s SBD 34,381,840 budget for 2026/2027, recently passed by the provincial assembly.

The budget comprises of SBD 8,231,685 in recurrent expenditure and SBD 26,150,156 in capital expenditure, reflecting the provincial government’s strong commitment to investing in the productive sector.

Meleha said the policy direction for this year’s budget is guided by four strategic pillars.

Under empowerment, the focus is on equipping communities particularly youths, women, and children with the tools, opportunities, and support systems needed to actively participate in and drive socio-economic development.

Under transformation, the government aims to accelerate positive change across the province by improving infrastructure, strengthening service delivery, and promoting economic diversification to enhance livelihoods.

He added that the resourcefulness pillar promotes the efficient, transparent, and sustainable use of available resources to maximise development impact and ensure value for money in all public investments.

Meanwhile, the future-oriented development pillar, which sets a 5–10-year vision, underscores the importance of strategic long-term planning to secure a resilient and prosperous future for the Central Islands province.

Meleha said these priorities align with current investments and the province’s long-term development goals.

The Minister also revealed that the province’s 10-year strategic plan is currently in draft form and will soon be presented to the assembly for approval.

“I am delighted to highlight that the 10-year strategic plan of the province is now in its draft form, with the support of the IEDCR project, and will be brought before this House for final endorsement,” he said.

The SBD $34,381,840 budget was passed under the theme “Empowering Transformations, Resourcing Our Future,” underscoring the government’s commitment to driving positive change and laying a strong foundation for future development in Central Islands province.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Sagupari led Government of Change and Rural Transformation (GCRT) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving infrastructure and driving economic empowerment across Central province.

This forms a key part of the provincial government’s policy direction, which aims to empower communities and encourage self-reliance.

Speaking at the recent full assembly meeting in Tulagi, Premier Kenneth Sagupari outlined his government’s priorities for the upcoming financial year.

These include improving rural infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and education services, and promoting economic initiatives to support self-reliance among citizens.

Premier Sagupari said the government has introduced several key initiatives to improve livelihoods across Central province over the next five to ten years.

Among the initiatives highlighted are:

• Strategic Master Planning:
  The government will table a 10-year Strategic Plan, alongside master plans for the Pavuvu mini township and the Hakama Agricultural Growth Centre. These plans, which focus on tourism and infrastructure development, have already been submitted to the executive government for initial discussions.
• Modernisation of Tulagi:
  A concept plan for a 30 to 40-room hotel linking Bangai Island is currently underway. Once implemented, the project is expected to serve as a key architectural feature in the modernisation of the provincial capital.
• Accountability Measures:
  The provincial executive has mandated a series of audits, including financial, compliance, operational, internal, and forensic audits. These will be carried out across all non-devolved ministries, including police, health, and education, to ensure transparency and accountability in service delivery.
• International Partnerships:
  The government is finalising a sister-province agreement with Hubei Province. A delegation is expected to travel in the coming months to formalise the partnership in the second quarter of 2026. Strengthening investment partnerships with both foreign and national investors remains a top priority to boost economic potential.
• Sustainable Energy Development:
  Consultations will begin on Savo Island regarding the proposed geothermal project. The government says community voices will play a key role in guiding investment decisions. A feasibility study from the Ministry of Mines and Energy is already available to support this process.
• Provincial Ordinances:
  The government is prioritising the tabling of several provincial ordinances, expected in the first or second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, pending progress by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Premier Sagupari also revealed that he has joined other provincial premiers in submitting revised PAMSAD entitlements.

He added that consultations involving the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will be conducted to finalise the review.

The revised entitlements are expected to take effect either in this year’s national government’s supplementary budget or in the 2027 budget.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

For JQY Construction Limited, being contracted to construct the new agriculture complex in Malaita is not just about carrying out a job, but it is also about giving back to the community.

A representative of the contractor, Young, made expressed this during the official groundbreaking ceremony in Auki, Malaita Province, last week. 

He said the construction of the new building complex is not just a project for the contractor, but a way of giving back to the people of Malaita Province. 

“Being given the opportunity to construct the office is not just a job for any contractor. It is my way of giving back and showing appreciation to the people of Malaita who have helped me in my journey,” he said. 

He also assured the government, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the people of Malaita Province that the construction of the complex is not their first project, as they have completed similar projects in the country. 

He said that they will do their best to construct the building complex to high-quality standards.

Mr. Young said that JQY Limited is committed and will ensure that the project will deliver benefits beyond the infrastructure and also provide job opportunities for locals.

He also reaffirmed their commitment to delivering this project on time and to a higher standard.

He added that through dedication and teamwork with its partners, they are confident that the project will be completed according to the project’s timeframe.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Rural communities in and surrounding Ward 28, in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, will now be able to enjoy access to good network coverage after the successful installation of the Sinasu Tower on Wednesday, April 9.

The installation and activation of the tower, which was done in the middle of this week, has improved network coverage in the ward and provided access to essential information relating to the weather and updates about the province and country. 

According to William Kaobata, the chairman of the Bonale landowners, who is behind the building and construction of the tower with the Huawei team, it was truly a milestone achievement for his people in Ward 28 and surrounding communities. 

He said the new network coverage, rural entrepreneurs, students, and individuals can now rely on good network coverage to access information from their homes, unlike before.

“Now, we can access 4G network coverage at our homes, unlike before that we had to move to locations where good coverage was available, such as seaside areas and up in the hills, to make calls or do internet research,” he said. 

Kaobata thanked the Huawei company, engineers, and locals who were part of the construction of the project. 

He also acknowledged the partnership between Huawei, Solomon Tower Limited, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).

Island Sun understands that the Huawei tower will be launched sometime this month.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki Forestry and Agriculture officers in Malaita Province held a one-day training for the first two groups of youth apprentices at the provincial chamber’s conference room yesterday. 

The training focused on forestry and agricultural aspects that are very relevant and important for the youth apprenticeship members. 

In an interview, Frank Samo Sari, Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator said the training also deliberated on successes, failures, and ways forward for improvement. 

He said he was confident that the youth members were participating well in all the apprenticeship activities. 

“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Malaita Province for its successful implementation on the ground so far.

“It is encouraging to see a considerable number of youths participating and engaging in apprenticeship activities, particularly in the fields of agriculture and forestry,” he said.

Despite these achievements, he said that a number of challenges have been raised by the participating youths during their field activities.

He said the challenges raised include the unfulfillment of commitment to provide allowances to participants, along with failed lunch hour and transport arrangements and weather conditions.

In the meantime, he thanked the youths for the feedback and promised to improve the training the next time around.

“Based on your feedback, I will improve to ensure this program is progresses and engages more youth,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]